Blythewood’s Ezekiel Washington Photo by Mike Maddock
The Blythewood Bengals are posting another solid season, sitting at 19-3, under head coach Ezekiel Washington.
Washington has been with the program since the 2012-2013 season.
“At the time it was a chance to go to 4A basketball,” Washington said of his decision to come to Blythewood. “It was exciting for me. The athletic director at the time, Vince Lowry, was a friend of mine. It seemed like a good place to be. It was a breath of fresh air.”
Blythewood posted two losing records and one playoff appearance during Washington’s first two years. However, starting in the 2014-2015 season, the Bengals improved, winning at least 17 games a year for six straight seasons. During that stretch, the Bengals made four appearances in the quarterfinals, two in the semifinals, and once in the 5A State Championship game, during the 2016-2017 season.
Washington said assistant coaches like Ken Frink, who he coached at Fairfield Central; Kristin Claiborne, who filled in for Washington during COVID; and Samson Meyer have been important to Blythewood’s success.
“The biggest thing has been consistency,” Washington said. “The kids have gotten consistency from the coaches and a consistent message. I think having kids hear the same message has given us a shot to be successful.”
Blythewood took a dip during COVID, when Washington was away from the team, posting single digit win seasons for the first time since his first season.
“We’ve had to rebuild some,” Washington said. “Although, if you are at a place long enough, that’s going to take place every couple of years anyway.”
The Bengals have rebuilt and rebounded, winning a combined 39 games between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, along with winning the Region 3-5A title last year.
Blythewood has been one of the more successful programs in the area for most of Washington’s tenure, a new hurdle has emerged. The Bengals haven’t advanced past the second round since a semifinal appearance during the 2017-2018 season. During that stretch, Blythewood has lost to Dorman twice, Byrnes, Clover, Mauldin, and Berkeley in the postseason.
“5A is just hard,” Washington said. “It has been hard to get over the hump and get out of the first or second round. Teams are good. They are well coached. Once you get in the playoffs, there is no room for error.”
The Bengals are on track to make another run at the postseason this year. When they make it, regardless of their seeding, they will be well prepared. Blythewood still has two games against rival and defending 5A State Champion Ridge View, as well as a visit from Sumter.
“Any team we play really prepares us for the postseason,” Washington said. “Each team presents a challenge. West Florence is a little down, but they do things well that gives us trouble. Ridge View is a juggernaut. Playing a team of that caliber will prepare us for the playoffs. Sumter is very good.”
For the Bengals to have success, they will need players like T.J. Lewis and Tyler Stephens to continue to play well. Washington also needs his bigs to continue rebounding well. There is one thing Blythewood needs more than anything.
“Consistency,” Washington said. “We have to take care of the ball, be physical, and play together as a group. We do that in spots on offense and defense, but we strive to be more consistent in the last few games.”
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